Slot Limit Checker
Determine if your catch is a legal keeper or must be released based on state-specific slot sizes.
Estimates only. Not a substitute for official wildlife regulations.
Measure from tip of snout to tail fin squeezed flat.
What are slot limits in fishing?
A **slot limit** is a conservation tool that restricts the harvest of fish within a specific size range. There are three general types of size limits:
- Minimum Size Limit: Fish must be *larger* than a specific size to keep. This allows young fish to mature and spawn at least once before harvest.
- Maximum Size Limit: Fish must be *smaller* than a specific size to keep. This protects large trophy fish, which are often prime spawning females.
- Protected Slot Limit: Fish that fall *within* the range (e.g. 20 to 28 inches) must be released, while fish smaller or larger may be kept. This protects medium-sized fish during their fastest growing years.
Fish Measurement Tip: Always place the fish on a flat measuring board. Squeeze the tail lobes together to measure the absolute maximum total length. If the fish is close to a limit, err on the side of caution and release it to protect resources and avoid fines.